After dominating at the NSW Country Championships last weekend in Warren the Illawarriors have likewise dominated in the Country Cockatoos Training Squad released yesterday. In a squad of 37 players 12 Illawarriors have won selection for the training squad which will be reduced to a final squad for the Cockatoos upcoming rep program for 2018.

Headed by Illawarrior Skipper Paul Tuala, there are five players from Wollongong University including Tom Baker, Takunda Chimwaza, Sam Latu, and Amos Leef. Bowral have Tim Small and Henry Yuill in the squad, while Kiama is represented by Leighton Cowley. Tech Waratahs flyer Aisake Tuevu has won a spot as have Dane Nethery from Vikings, Jay Spencer from Camden, and Tait-Tania Tuumuliileuao from Avondale. The players will be vying for places in the final Cockatoos squad for matches against ACT, NSW Subbies and Queensland Country.

In a surprising development there is only one player from Newcastle/Hunter in the squad with 9 from Central West and 5 from Central Coast the next best represented Zones.

Illawarra has also fared well in the Cockatoos Colts Squad announced as well. Reece Apolo and Opeti Taufahema from Uni, Nicholas Cracknell from Shamrocks, and Mani Tuigamala from Avondale, were all rewarded with selection after outstanding performances in Warren.